Projects

PJ Molloys (MVT)

Completed: 2026
Location: Dunfermline - Scotland
Region: Scotland
Other local partners: Music Venue Trust

About the project

What does this community space/venue do?
PJ Molloy’s is Fife’s premier live music venue, operating as a legendary grassroots hub in the heart of Dunfermline, Scotland.
Located at 7 Canmore Street, the venue originally began its life as a traditional Irish bar. Following a major redevelopment in 2002, it completely transformed into a dedicated, purpose-built live performance space.
Frequently described by music fans as “Fife’s answer to Glasgow’s King Tut’s,” PJ Molloy’s combines the intimate, welcoming atmosphere of a local public house with a professional sound system and stage infrastructure capable of rivalling much larger touring spaces.
The venue has spent decades cementing its reputation as a vital launchpad for up-and-coming grassroots talent, while consistently hosting massive national artists.
What is VIY doing?

Volunteer It Yourself (VIY) is partnering with the Music Venue Trust (MVT) to support PJ Molloy’s in creating an overnight stay accommodation for Artists. To give them a comfortable place to sleep, shower and eat following their performances which will cut the costs of hotel expenditure.

The improvements carried out by NEET YP and Volunteer It Yourself (VIY)
Prepare floor and lay liquid screed (local contractor) to leave the floor clean level and damp free
VIY
Structural and Stud Work

– DPC and Sole Plate: Lay a Damp Proof Course (DPC) and install a tanalised 4×2 timber sole plate. Build approximately 50mm away from the existing stone walls to ensure air flow and prevent contact.
– Membrane and Insulation: Fix Tyvek breathable membrane to the back of the new timber frames and insulate the stud walls with rock wool.
– Cladding: Fix 12mm MDF or OSB sheets (8×4) to the entire work area, including the five pillars. Use 60mm timber strips to cover all joints. – Finishing: Install new skirting boards and paint all new stud work and the ceiling.

Partitioning and Entrances

– Fire Exit Partition: Build a new stud wall with a door entry approximately 1m inside the existing fire exit double doors, ensuring the original double doors are retained.
– Sanitary Area: Build a stud wall between pillars with a door entry to enclose the shower and toilet area.
Plumbing and Facilities

– Drainage: Tap into the existing live soil pipe at the gable end of the cellar (driveway side) to provide drainage for the shower and toilet.

What will be the impact of our project?

 

Turning the currently unused space into a modern backstage green room – complete with an integrated shower, private toilet, kitchen, and dedicated artist sleeping quarters -marks a major turning point for PJ Molloy’s. By offering these high-tier, self-contained living facilities directly on-site, the venue bridges the gap between the intimate grassroots experience and the premium comfort expected by major acts on long, demanding tour schedules. This upgrade not only vastly improves the day-to-day wellness of touring musicians, but it also elevates the venue’s profile in the eyes of national booking agents. With these competitive amenities, PJ Molloy’s can seamlessly attract and accommodate higher-profile national touring artists who might otherwise bypass smaller regional venues, cementing Dunfermline’s position as a mandatory stop on the UK touring circuit.

Project contact: graham@teamviy.com.